Abstract: A rotary knife assembly includes a rotary knife with a spinning blade, a motor operable to power the rotary blade, and a flexible drive cable connected between the motor and knife to transmit rotational power to the blade. The assembly includes a safety release feature drivingly intercoupled between the motor and drive cable so as to drivingly disconnect the cable and knife from the motor when excess torque is experienced. The safety release feature is in the form of a breakaway drive lug operable to normally transmit rotational power from the motor to the knife. In the event of binding of the knife or kinking of the drive cable, excess torque serves to break the drive lug in order to disengage the motor from the knife.

Abstract: A building assembly utilized in connecting building members together while permitting limited relative movement between the members. The assembly includes a structure such as a track or plate that includes one or more longitudinal slots. Integrally formed in the longitudinal slot is a breakaway washer that receives a fastener that extends into an adjacent structure. When a certain force is applied to the breakaway washer, the breakaway washer breaks away from the slot and this permits the slot to move about the breakaway washer and fastener which results in there being relative movement between two connected structures.

Abstract: A fastening device for detachably fastening an automotive airbag component. The fastening device has a holding device (10), a connecting element (20) extending from a first end (21a) to a second end (22a), which, is normally connected to a fastening section of the holding device (10), and a pyrotechnic charge, which, on ignition, causes an end (22a) of the connecting element (20) to be detached from the fastening section. The holding device (10) has a bearing through which the connecting element (20) extends with a section spaced from the first end (21a). This bearing has at least two bearing surfaces (16a, 18a) separated differently from the fastening section and arranged on different sides of the connecting element, so that the separated section of the connecting element (20) can tilt in the bearing after the ignition of the pyrotechnic charge.

Abstract: A cable head for petroleum logging includes a first connector and a second connector; there is a tension rod between the first connector and the second connector; a first piston, a second piston and a third piston are successively provided on the upper part, the middle part and the lower part of the first connector; the diameter of the second piston is greater than the diameters of the first and third piston respectively; the first and second piston are sealed and mounted inside a first cylinder; the third piston is sealed and mounted inside a second cylinder; the lower part of the second cylinder is fixedly connected with the second connector; a balance cavity is formed between the lower end face of the second piston and the upper end face of the second cylinder when the lower end face of the first cylinder is contacted with the upper end face of second cylinder; the balance cavity communicates with the external by a passage on the first or second cylinder; an axial projected area of the lower end face of th

Abstract: A drive unit is provided. The drive unit forms a power transmitting path that includes a driving shaft between a wheel/tire assembly and a driving power source provided separately for each wheel/tire assembly, and transmits power via the driving shaft. The drive unit has a weak portion, which is less durable than any other portion in the power transmitting path with respect to external force applied to the wheel/tire assembly, formed on the driving shaft.

Abstract: A release device having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. A tensioned tape is overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. The overlapping winding allows for a low profile housing for the release device. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.

Abstract: A break-away hook assembly is adapted for installation for use with a low-voltage residential communication cable. A pair of members is coupled. One of the members has a connector with a terminal portion which receives a terminus of the other member. The connector breaks to release the second member from coupled engagement with the first member so that upon application of a stress in excess of a pre-established load, the cable will sag while maintaining the communication integrity of the cable.

Abstract: A frangible joint for separating a pair of components is provided. The frangible joint includes a first portion coupled one of the pair of components and a second portion coupled to the other of the pair of components. The first portion and the second portion are spaced apart by a gap. At least one plate is coupled between the first portion and the second portion across the gap. A first tube having a first explosive cord is disposed therein and a first pliable member arranged between the first explosive cord and the first tube, the first tube being disposed in the gap. A second tube having a second explosive cord is disposed therein and a second pliable member arranged between the second explosive cord and the second tube, the second tube being disposed in the gap adjacent the first tube.

Abstract: A device that facilitates the support of a post or shaft in such a way that the post is connected rigidly to a foundation or otherwise connected to a fixed position. If a condition arises that causes the post to become stressed physically the device will allow separation of the post from a mounting on the foundation or fixed position before the said post is physically damaged. The post itself may be round, square, rectangular, channel shape, or any other shape in profile. In some cases the post is the primary support for such things as roadside sign posts, signs, signals, lights, warnings, or markers, that are commonly held by the roadside in a fixed and elevated position so that they are easily visible to passing motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians. The device can also be used to support other types of signs, signals, or devices unrelated to traffic or transport.

Abstract: A collapsible pivot body having a housing that includes a channel defined therein and a mounting bracket that is adapted to attach the pivot body to a portion of a vehicle. The collapsible pivot body further includes a sleeve operatively disposed within the channel. The sleeve includes an internal passage that is adapted to receive a pivot shaft assembly of a wiper system. The collapsible pivot body further includes a plurality of bridges that connect the sleeve to the housing. The bridges are adapted to fail in response to a predetermined load acting on a pivot shaft assembly and cause the sleeve to collapse within the housing, thereby displacing the pivot shaft assembly and a portion of a wiper arm below the impact line of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.

Abstract: A mounting system for a control module in a vehicle comprises a housing with a flange formed with an opening adapted to receive a fastener for securing the housing to the vehicle. A crack initiator causes a crack to occur in the flange or the housing and thus reduces bending of the housing during a side impact collision causing lateral forces. Preferably, an attachment bolt extends through the opening into the vehicle and the flange forms a C-shape around the opening to allow lateral forces during the side impact collision to force the attachment bolt to slide out of the opening. Preferably, electronic components in the module include an event data recorder for recording data about the vehicle collision and relaying the data after the collision, a communications system for calling for assistance and a controller for cutting off the vehicle fuel supply.

Abstract: A coupling to serve as a logging head or other downhole weakpoint assembly. The coupling is configured with a variety of internal tensile members. The individual members and load bearing capacities of each may be selectively engaged in a variety of combinations so as to provide a host of different load bearing capacities to the weakpoint coupling. Such selectable engagement is achieved through the dialing of a key by the user without the need to add or remove any load bearing features from the coupling. Thus, the user-friendly nature of the coupling is enhanced and the possibility of the user leaving behind supplemental load bearing tensile members for change-out is eliminated.

Abstract: A device (10) for reversibly fastening a panel (5) to a structure (2) in order to close off a window (3) in said structure (2). Said device (10) is made up of a plurality of studs (15) suitable for being embedded in a bead of adhesive (50), each stud (15)being provided with two longitudinal orifices (16), said device having two extraction wires (30), each of which passes through a longitudinal orifice (16) in each stud (15).

Abstract: A system for separating a first component and a second component is provided. The system includes a first joinder flange having at least one first fastener feature for coupling the first joinder flange to the first component. A second joinder flange is provided having at least one second fastener feature for coupling the second joinder flange to the second component. A separation portion is coupled between the first joinder flange and the second joinder flange, the frangible joint having at least one groove extending along width of the separation portion. An explosive member is arranged adjacent the separation portion. Wherein the first joinder flange includes at least one integral shock attenuation feature formed therein between the explosive member and the at least one first fastener feature.

Abstract: An overload warning system for a winch hoist of the type that includes a drum that rotates about a drum shaft, a handle that is received in a socket, wherein the handle can be used to turn the drum, and a movable frame that is located between the socket and the housing. The socket is coupled to the drum shaft. There is a shear pin with one end embedded in the frame and the other end embedded in the socket, the shear pin defining a relatively weak shear zone located between the frame and the socket. There is an elongated opening defined in the socket and a projection projecting from the frame and into or through the elongated opening. If the shear pin fails under rotational load applied through the handle, the socket will rotate relative to the frame until the edge of the elongated opening contacts the projection. The socket movement provides tactile feedback that the shear pin has failed, while maintaining control over the hoist operation via the handle.

Abstract: A torque limiter includes a cylindrical member, and a shaft member which is fitted rotatably in the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has a main body portion having in an interior thereof an oil pressure expansion chamber for pressing an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member against an outer circumferential surface of the shaft member and an oil release passage which is opened to the oil pressure expansion chamber at one end portion while being closed tightly at the other end portion and which is positioned further radially outwards than an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion. When the cylindrical member stays still relative to the shaft member, the other end portion of the oil release passage is accommodated within a cap member which is screwed to be fixed in a threaded hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a support member is described. The apparatus comprises a tubular clamp, the tubular clamp defining a throughbore adapted to receive a support member therethrough, a first apparatus member adapted to engage a first portion of an external surface of the tubular clamp, and a second apparatus member adapted to engage a second portion of the external surface of the tubular clamp. Relative movement of the first apparatus member with respect to the tubular damp in a first direction results in a deflection of a section of a first end of the tubular clamp into the clamp throughbore and relative movement of the second apparatus member in a second direction, opposite the first direction, with respect to the tubular clamp results in a deflection of a section of a second end of the tubular clamp into the clamp throughbore.

Abstract: A flexspline protective structure includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member and a plurality of fixing members. The second rotation member is sleeved on the first rotation member. The plurality of fixing members fix the first rotation member and the second rotation member together and are capable of breaking off in the event of jamming or other mischance to enable the second rotation member to rotate freely relative to the first rotation member. The disclosure presents a robot arm mechanism equipped with the flexspline protective structure.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting runs of communication material having a predetermined length and coupling elements at both ends is provided. The connecting device includes a first end, an opposing second end, and a separating element. The first end couples to a coupling element of a first run of communication material and the second end couples to a coupling element of a second run of communication material. The first run and second run of communication material is separated in response to activation of the separating element. Also provided is a bulk cable packaging system that includes a plurality of runs of communication material, each run having a predetermined length and coupling elements at both ends and a plurality of connecting devices. The runs of communication material are coupled together with the connecting devices is operatively coupled to a reel. The reel is then operatively coupled within a container.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system is disclosed for affixing a column to a beam in a construction. The lateral bracing system includes a pair of buckling restraint blocks, one each affixed to a top and bottom flange of a beam. Each buckling restraint block includes one or more bores formed through a center of the block. The lateral bracing system further includes at least one yield link for each buckling restraint block. Each yield link includes a first end affixed to the column, and a second end fit through a bore in a buckling restraint block and affixed to an end of the buckling restraint block.

Abstract: A shearing mechanism in which a male component mates into a female component, the male component having a first groove extending around the male component and the female component having a second groove extending around the female component, the first groove and the second groove cooperating when the male component is inserted into the female component to define an annular recess. A shearing component is provided within the annular recess, the shearing component having a shear load that is controlled by the material and size of the shearing component. An opening is provided within one or both of the male component and female component, the opening being aligned with the annular recess. Stress relief is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting torque transferred from an engine or motor to a drive shaft or other components. In some embodiments, the torque-limiting device has a spindle disposed within both coupling flanges to increase the resistance to radial forces and to maintain coaxial alignment of the flanges and attached drive shafts. In some embodiments, the axial spacing of bearings that enable rotation of the coupling flanges is based upon the diameter of the spindle. In another embodiment, torque-limiting devices that maintain coaxial alignment may be used to modify vehicle drive shafts to enable long distance towing for long durations at high speeds.

Abstract: A method of designing and manufacturing apparatus. The method comprises: creating a design space; analysing expected loads acting on the design space to calculate a first load path within the design space; analysing expected loads acting on the design space when the apparatus is in a damaged state to calculate a second load path within the design space; selecting a region of the second load path which falls outside the first load path; and creating a final design which includes: a primary structure falling within the first load path; and a damage indication feature falling within the selected region. The damage indication feature is designed to provide a visual indication when the load transmitted by the damage indication feature exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling device (1) intended to connect first and second elements which are articulated with respect to one another, wherein the device includes a compression element (2) designed to allow a compressive force to pass from one element to another in a first state, and a tension element (3) designed to allow a tensile force to pass from one element to another in a second state, the compression element additionally forming a substitution tension element designed to allow a tensile force to pass from one element to another in a third state corresponding to the fracturing of the tension element.

Abstract: In a coupling structure for coupling a middle shaft that may function as a first rotary member to an input shaft that may function as a second rotary member such that torque is transmittable therebetween, a snap ring is engaged with both a first engagement groove of a cylindrical member and a second engagement groove of a shaft portion to restrict axial movement of the input shaft relative to the middle shaft. The first and second engagement grooves are formed such that the snap ring is disengaged from the first engagement groove when a load higher than or equal to a predetermined load is applied to the middle shaft and the input shaft in the separating direction. There is provided a separation nut that is fitted to a threaded portion formed on the shaft portion and that rotates and moves toward middle shaft to push the middle shaft.

Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.

Abstract: An apparatus has a tubular body with a channel and a number of stiffeners. The number of stiffeners allows the tubular body to absorb additional mechanical energy through axial compression. Additionally, the number of stiffeners is located on a number of locations for the tubular body. The apparatus also has a plurality of hinges located in part between the number of locations of the number of stiffeners for the tubular body, and also located between end flanges at the end of the tubular body and a stiffener. The number of hinges further define deformable regions. At least one deformable region of the plurality of deformable regions is configured to expand away from the channel in response to the tubular body being compressed in the axial direction.

Abstract: A connector assembly for accurately projecting fasteners for connecting two building members together while permitting limited relative motion between the members. The assembly includes a plate having one or more longitudinal slots. The plate is secured to or a part of one of the building members. The plate is connected to the other building member by fasteners projected through breakaway washers formed in the slots. The breakaway washers each have an opening for guiding the fastener and centering the fastener on the slot. Centering the fastener on the slot prevents inadvertent clamping of the plate and the other building member together so that limited relative motion is permitted.

Abstract: A material anti-segregation device is for a paving vehicle including a tractor, a screed for forming a mat of paving material on a base surface, and an auger. The anti-segregation device includes a plurality of flexible, elongated barrier members each coupled with the tractor and collectively defining a curtain. The curtain is configured to generally retain paving material between the curtain and the screed. A plurality of couplers are each configured to connect at least a portion of a separate one of the barrier members with the tractor. Each coupler alternatively disconnects the barrier member or portion from the tractor when tension in the connected member exceeds a predetermined value so as to prevent damage to the tractor. As each barrier member is connected with either a portion or component of the tractor, the predetermined tension value is less than a failure limit of the tractor portion or component.

Abstract: A tool joint comprises a body having a central axis, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the body is made of a first material having a first hardness. In addition, the tool joint comprises an annular hardband disposed about the body. The hardband is made of a second material. The second material comprises a base material and a plurality of discrete pellets dispersed throughout the base material. The base material has a second hardness and the pellets have a third hardness. The second hardness is substantially the same as the first hardness. The third hardness is greater than the second hardness and less than the hardness of tungsten carbide.

Abstract: A frangible joint structure includes shock attenuation features formed as an integral part of the joint structure. Shock attenuation is achieved through use of, for example, slots or grooves that are machined directly, or otherwise formed integrally, into the frangible joint structure. Adequate shock attenuation is achieved solely by the features machined or otherwise formed in the frangible joint together with the typical assembly of the frangible joint into various structures (e.g., as a payload separator for rockets, missiles, satellites, etc.), without the need for additional hardware components and thus without the need for assembly of the frangible joint shock attenuation device.

Abstract: A lock is disclosed for use within an attachment system that connects a ground engaging tool to a bucket lip. The bucket lip has a lug attached thereto, and the ground engaging tool having a recess which receives the lug in use. The lock is disposed, in use, between the lug and the ground engaging tool. The lock has a body, a force applying member and a force receiving member, such that the application of force by the force applying member causes the force receiving member to protrude from a first side of the body and to engage the lug. The present invention involves providing a preferred failure mode for the lock.

Abstract: A safety device for window shades sets on a lift cord system for window shades. The safety device includes a fastener and a sliding sleeve. The fastener includes a sleeve and a first connecting end and a second connecting end respectively defined on two ends of the sleeve. The sleeve at least has one first entrance. The connecting end connects with one end of the lift cord system. The first connecting end has a first groove defining a cavity thereof and a first opening formed on an end portion of the first connecting end and connected with the first groove. A first guiding groove extends from the first entrance to the first opening. The first connecting end is divided along lines from the first entrance, the first guiding groove to the first opening to form two petal-shaped pieces with elastic deformation to expand the first opening.

Abstract: A cable head for petroleum logging includes a first connector and a second connector; there is a tension rod between the first connector and the second connector; a first piston, a second piston and a third piston are successively provided on the upper part, the middle part and the lower part of the first connector; the diameter of the second piston is greater than the diameters of the first and third piston respectively; the first and second piston are sealed and mounted inside a first cylinder; the third piston is sealed and mounted inside a second cylinder; the lower part of the second cylinder is fixedly connected with the second connector; a balance cavity is formed between the lower end face of the second piston and the upper end face of the second cylinder when the lower end face of the first cylinder is contacted with the upper end face of second cylinder; the balance cavity communicates with the external by a passage on the first or second cylinder; an axial projected area of the lower end face of th

Abstract: A positioning device includes first, second and third elements. The first element includes a cross-linked thermoplastic and the second element is non-circular and configured adjacent a first side of the first element, and configured for relative rotation with the first element about an axis. The third element is configured adjacent a second side of the first element. The first, second and third elements are configured such that a first compressive strain amount is induced on the first element while there is no relative rotation between the first and second elements and a second compressive strain amount is induced on the first element while there is relative rotation between the first element and the second element. The second compressive strain amount is at least 3 times higher than the first compressive strain amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seal. The seal is for a box. A box housing has an aperture leading to an interior. A box cover is: secured to the housing in use by at least one screw to occlude the aperture; and removable, by screw removal, to permit interior access via the aperture. After the cover has been secured, one or more screws must be backed off or removed to obtain interior access via the aperture. The seal comprises: a base for each screw which, in use, is screwed to the cover by said screw when the cover has been secured to the housing by the at least one screw; and, for each base, an assembly which is defined by frangibly connected structures, one being connected to said each base; the other, being separably connected to said each base, to preclude access to the screw holding said each base to the cover.

Abstract: A biodegradable plastic of a screw-fastened portion which remains on a metal component can be decomposed and dissolved by immersing in a degradative enzyme while being joined with the metal component. Further, since the amount of the biodegradable plastic is small and a shape such as a groove is provided which can increase a contact area with the degradative enzyme, decomposition can be completed in a short time.

Abstract: An automotive shaft assembly is provided including a first barshaft having a first connection end and a second barshaft having a second connection end. A connection tube rotationally engages the first connection to the second connection end and includes a shear diameter configured to experience shear failure in the presence of an overload torque such that the first connection end is rotationally disengaged the said second connection end.

Abstract: A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.

Abstract: A support post for a guardrail has a strong axis and a weak axis which is substantially perpendicular to the strong axis. The support post is adapted to receive a guardrail such that the rail face of the guardrail runs generally perpendicular to the strong axis such that the support post resists an impact on the face of the guardrail and yields to an impact force on the end of the guardrail.

Abstract: A redundant release apparatus having a multi-segment split spool with a central bore adapted to axially restrain a tensioned member. Two tensioned tapes are overlappingly wound around the spool segments thereby preventing radial movement of the spool segments. Overlapping winding design of each of the tapes provide predictable unwinding dynamics upon release. The multiple segments require less radial motion for release of the tensioned member.

Abstract: A rotation module includes a base and a rotation member rotatably positioned on the base. The base includes a resisting surface and a connecting surface opposite to the resisting surface. A cylindrical protrusion is formed on the resisting surface. A locking portion is formed at an end of the cylindrical protrusion. The cylindrical protrusion defines an opening through the locking portion. The rotation member includes a bottom surface and a supporting surface opposite to the bottom surface. The rotation member defines a circular through hole. The locking portion is deformable due to the opening so that the cylindrical protrusion is able to pass through the circular through hole. The locking portion releases after the locking portion passes through the circular through hole and resists the rotation member to prevent the rotation member from detaching from the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a plurality of structures, such as ends of a sealing ring, with each end defining an aperture therein and with the ring being adapted to mount a meter to a meter box structure. The apparatus comprises a locking pin with a distal end adapted to be insertable through each of the apertures of the first and second ends of the ring. The locking pin comprises a head member having at least an engageable end and a fracturable member. The locking pin further comprises a shaft portion having the distal end. The apparatus further comprises a lock housing adapted to retain at least a part of the shaft portion such that the first and second ends of the ring are connected between the head member of the locking pin and the lock housing. The head member has an outer surface adapted to receive at least two opposing forces, the at least two opposing forces being of sufficient magnitude to break the fracturable member.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly is provided having a unitary wiper arm and post, and a mechanical linkage for receiving the post and moving the arm. The post has a breakaway feature for breaking the post in response to impact. The wiper includes a head partially containing a center post and a button biased with a spring and connected to the center post for releasing the post from the linkage. The post and linkage include a captive ball and mating groove that are mutually engageable for securing the post to the linkage. Alternately, the post has a quick-connect end having a groove and the linkage has a receiving portion with a retractable collar and captive ball bearings. A vehicle is also provided including a windshield, a windshield wiper having a post, a wiper motor, and a mechanical linkage having an opening for receiving the post and powering the wiper.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine comprises a coupling for connecting a shaft to a driving element mounted for rotation about the shaft. The coupling provides a torque path between the shaft and the driving element which passes through both a lost motion connection and a shear bolt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling device (1) intended to connect first and second elements which are articulated with respect to one another, characterized in that it comprises a compression element (2) designed to allow a compressive force to pass from one element to another in a first state, and a tension element (3) designed to allow a tensile force to pass from one element to another in a second state, the compression element additionally forming a substitution tension element designed to allow a tensile force to pass from one element to another in a third state corresponding to the fracturing of the tension element.

Abstract: A connector of frangible material for mounting on the piercing end of a nail-like fastener, connects the fastener to a bracket or clamp. The bracket has a conical frustrum-shaped aperture. The connector has a conical frustrum-shaped leading end that fits into the conical frustrum-shaped aperture in the bracket. The trailing end of the connector grips the fastener. The connector locks to the bracket by passing its trailing end through the leading opening of the conical frustrum-shaped aperture and snugging the conical frustrum leading end of the connector into the conical frustrum-shaped aperture in the bracket.

Abstract: A vessel, such as a rocket motor tube, comprised of an insert, and a joint that allows the insert to decouple from the vessel to relieve pressure when subjected to excessive temperatures and/or a predetermined temperature or temperature range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a windshield wiper device (10), comprising a wiper bearing (16) which is essentially composed of a molded tube (18) that can be fastened to a motor vehicle by means of a fastening element (20). A wiper shaft (22) to which a wiper lever can be fastened is positioned in the molded tube (18). A predetermined breaking point (32) is provided on the fastening element (20) in such a way that the wiper bearing (16) is able to dip into the interior of the motor vehicle in case a defined and essentially axial force acts on the wiper shaft (22). The predetermined breaking point (32) is embodied as a hole in this case.